The Salvation Army is NZ Management’s Most Reputable Not-For-Profit Organisation again this year. And like the reaction of NZ Police, the Army’s Commissioner Don Bell is “delighted but not surprised”.
“The Salvation Army has,” he says, “had hard year responding to the needs of people, particularly in Canterbury following the earthquakes. We were the first and largest visible, non-government team on the ground in Christchurch.”
The Army has been busy elsewhere. Its services are, says Bell, increasingly in demand as “New Zealand’s economic conditions worsen. What the survey confirms is that the Salvation Army is reliable and trusted and people know that we will do our best to help anyone who asks for help,” he says.
The Salvation Army is known as Christian organisation that is also “practical, sleeves rolled up outfit”. Respondents to the survey agree. “They [the Army] are there when people really need them, with practical on-the-ground help,” said one.
“We do not judge people, we just get on and do what we can to help and don’t make much noise about it,” says Bell. “We do, however, speak out about social injustice and issues of poverty when necessary. And when we speak out, we feel we have an impact.”
In 2009-2010 the Army embarked on an organisation-wide campaign to define its core strategic mission and goals. These included being streamlined and connected organisation and eradicating poverty. “The results are coming through now, making us stronger and better able to respond to the pastoral and social needs of those who approach us,” he says.
The number of people approaching the Army for help increased “significantly” last year according to Bell. “I believe this is the result of New Zealand’s tightening economic conditions. We have finite capacity to take in greater numbers of people and provide more services. While the public continued to support our fund-raising campaign this year, we can’t keep doing more with the finite resources we have. This is an area of tension for us.”
The Salvation Army is increasingly challenged by the need to keep its funding streams going, particularly its government funding. “The government wants more outcomes for the same money,” says Bell. “They also want more evidence of the effectiveness of our funded programmes and interventions. We must get better at demonstrating how the Army provides value for money. We believe we do but must be able to demonstrate it more effectively.”
Respondents to this survey are in no doubt about the value of the services the Salvation Army provides. They have now said so two years in row. “The Salvation Army fulfils its role in the social services area with distinction,” said one respondent.
The Army is concerned about the impact of the increased use of alcohol, particularly by those facing tough times. And the housing crisis in Auckland is, says Bell, “putting pressure” on the Army’s services, as are ongoing difficulties in Christchurch.
“As Commissioner, being recognised by community leaders makes me proud, humble and bit worried,” he says. “I am proud that the Salvation Army is recognised so strongly for the work we do. I am humbled by the efforts made by my officers and staff to meet the needs of the poor and disadvantaged in New Zealand.
“I am, however, worried about what the future holds as we look at increasing national and international economic uncertainty.” M
FInalists
New Zealand Red Cross
John Ware, CEO
New Zealand Red Cross has been part of the fabric of our society for 80 years helping the most vulnerable around the world and across the street, whoever they may be – with neutrality and impartiality.
As part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, New Zealand Red Cross is always there helping and supporting the most vulnerable, in times of disaster, conflict or emergency. It has been year of disasters from Pakistan and Haiti to Queensland, Canterbury and more recently Christchurch, and like many times since 1931, Red Cross is consistently there, putting people first.
The work of New Zealand Red Cross is diverse and far reaching and would not be possible without the combined efforts of our members, volunteers and staff. Together we can mobilise the power of humanity. People trust us to make difference, and that gives us the opportunity to make real impact in the world we live in every day. We are people helping people.
St John New Zealand
Jaimes Wood, CEO
It is critical to maintain public trust and confidence in the services St John provides.
Our reputation rating is credit to all St John staff and volunteers (past and present), and to the quality of care we provide patients and communities 24 hours, seven days week across New Zealand. St John is iconic, our uniform is recognised and our people are trusted. We constantly work on ensuring this trust is maintained.
We are strongly guided by our mission – to prevent and relieve sickness and injury, and act to enhance the health and well-being of all New Zealanders.
We have worked to profile the range of services we provide (emergency ambulance, community programmes and first aid training) which has resulted in increased public and media attention.
New Zealanders know that they can rely on the professionalism and care of St John, at critical times. It is an ongoing challenge for us to do as much as we can within current funding levels and at the same time maintain public trust and confidence.
Parents Inc
Bruce Pilbrow, CEO/Director
Our motto is “Family is Everything” – vital statement that we want to be reality in New Zealand society.
So we start with our reputation and how we, as an organisation, deal with the families who come into contact with us.
We pride ourselves on being positive solution, no matter what issues people face. When you deal with Parents Inc your experience will be second to none.
It’s tall order, but totally achievable when you have the right people working for you.
Parents Inc people are committed, passionate, excited and motivated by the good we do.
Southern Cross Healthcare Society
Iain MacPherson, CEO
At Southern Cross Healthcare we truly value our principles. We have clear vision, which is to help New Zealanders achieve better health. Everything we do – whether it’s introducing new business or standing up for our customers on an issue – is consistent with that vision.
We show we care when it matters. Our customers rely on us to provide assistance with their healthcare, and we try very hard to make things easy for them during what can be difficult time.
Our people are proud to work for Southern Cross, and we are proud of them. They can and will go the extra mile for customers.
We know our subject – health. That means we are able to provide leadership on issues that matter. Good healthcare is fundamental to society – we want to work together with the public sector, the medical profession and other parties to ensure our health system, and Southern Cross, is sustainable for future generations.
